Ingleside names its top candidate

Contract for city manager post in works

City Council members on Saturday extended a tentative offer to James "Jim" Gray of the San Antonio area after interviewing two candidates.

"He's well-rounded, very professional, was responsive to our questions in closed session and had a good dialogue with city leaders," said Mayor Elaine Kemp.

Gray was one of three candidates scheduled to be interviewed Saturday during a special council meeting. One of the three canceled, and Gray rose to the top of the list.

City Attorney Michael Morris is drafting a contract for council approval, Kemp said. She refused to disclose terms -- including salary -- of the contract, which Gray will be offered pending background checks and reference confirmation.

"We feel this is a positive move," she said.

Kemp would not describe Gray's experience late Saturday but said it was comfortably above the required qualifications, which include having spent a minimum three years in municipal management.

As many as 35 people applied for the position, city officials said.

The city has been without a permanent city manager since last summer, when council members fired former City Manager Mike Rhea after discovering overspending and budget inaccuracies contributing to about $1.5 million in debt.

The city's former financial consultant, Paul Baen, has served as acting city manager since March.

Under his guidance, the city's leadership has borrowed money to pay bills, Kemp said Saturday.

"It's been rough for our citizens and employees," she said. "But we're in good shape now, and it's been because of sacrifices and great teamwork by our employees."